If antidepressants and therapy haven't provided enough relief for depression symptoms, Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) may be another option. TMS is a non-invasive, medication-free treatment for adults with treatment-resistant depression, available at our Chicago Loop and Arlington Heights clinics.
For many people, depression doesn't improve enough with medication alone. TMS, or Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, offers another treatment option.
TMS is an innovative treatment that uses magnetic pulses to stimulate areas of the brain involved in mood regulation. Unlike medication, TMS targets these areas directly without affecting the rest of the body.
Treatment is performed while you're awake in our Chicago Loop or Arlington Heights clinics. There are no needles, anesthesia, or downtime, so most people return to work, school, or their normal routine immediately after each session.
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) may be a good treatment option if you:
Not sure if you qualify?
Our TMS Coordinator can answer your questions during a free educational call and explain what the next steps would look like.
If you're exploring TMS therapy in Chicago or the northwest suburbs, you're not alone.
Many people are surprised by how simple the treatment process is once they see it firsthand.
Watch our short videos to see what happens during a TMS consultation, brain mapping appointment, and treatment session.
What is TMS?
What is TMS Mapping?
Inside a TMS Treatment Session
TMS delivers gentle magnetic pulses to a specific area of the brain involved in regulating mood. In many people living with depression, this area is less active than expected. By stimulating this region over a series of treatments, TMS helps strengthen the brain networks involved in mood regulation.
TMS has helped many people with treatment-resistant depression find meaningful relief after antidepressant medication alone wasn't enough. Clinical studies have shown that many people experience significant improvement in their depression symptoms, and some achieve remission. While every person's response to treatment is different, improvements often occur gradually over the course of treatment. Today, TMS is an established, evidence-based treatment option for adults living with treatment-resistant depression.
Speak with our TMS Coordinator to learn about the treatment, ask questions, and determine whether TMS may be right for you.
If TMS appears to be a good fit, you'll meet with one of our providers to confirm eligibility and develop a treatment plan.
Your first treatment includes a personalized brain mapping session that helps determine the exact treatment location and stimulation settings.
Most appointments last about 20 minutes. You'll sit comfortably in a treatment chair while the magnetic pulses are delivered. You can read, listen to music, or simply relax during treatment.
Our team monitors your progress throughout treatment and adjusts your care as needed. Treatment is administered five days per week and typically lasts 8-9 weeks, depending on your individual needs.
Our team monitors your progress throughout treatment and adjusts your care as needed. Treatment is administered five days per week and typically lasts 8-9 weeks, depending on your individual needs. Ready to take the next step?
Unlike antidepressant medication, TMS is a non-invasive treatment that doesn't require sedation or downtime. Many patients choose TMS because it allows them to continue their daily routine while receiving treatment.
Benefits include:
Our dedicated TMS team focuses on patient education, comfort, and personalized care throughout treatment. From your initial educational call through your final treatment session, you'll typically work with the same TMS Coordinator, ensuring consistent support and a personalized experience.
If your needs change, your care doesn't have to. Psychiatry, medication management, therapy, and higher levels of care like PHP and IOP are all available within Clarity Clinic, making it easier to coordinate your treatment every step of the way.
You'll receive regular check-ins throughout treatment to monitor your progress and answer questions along the way. At every session, your TMS Coordinator will assess how you're doing, while routine symptom assessments help us track your progress and keep your care team informed so your treatment can be adjusted if needed.
Receive TMS treatment at our:
Our goal is to make every step of your TMS journey as comfortable, coordinated, and personalized as possible, so you can focus on what matters most: your progress.
Most patients describe the sensation as a light, rhythmic tapping on the scalp. Some people experience mild tenderness or sensitivity during the first few treatments, but this usually improves over time. Your TMS team can also make adjustments throughout treatment to help keep you as comfortable as possible.
Yes. You remain awake and alert during every treatment.
Yes. There is no recovery period, so most patients drive themselves home and return to work or other daily activities immediately afterward.
Most treatment sessions last approximately 20 minutes.
TMS Treatment is a 36-session protocol, with the first 30 sessions occurring daily (Monday-Friday) and the final 6 sessions spread out over the course of a few weeks as part of the “tapering” process. We offer early morning and evening appointments that allow us to accommodate work/school schedules.
For depression, TMS targets the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, an area involved in mood regulation. This area is often underactive in people experiencing depression.
Many insurance plans cover TMS therapy for eligible patients including Blue Cross Blue Shield, United Healthcare, Medicare, Cigna, and Aetna. Because coverage varies by plan and individual circumstances, our team will review your benefits and discuss your options before treatment begins.
Yes. Self-pay options are available for patients who do not qualify for insurance coverage or choose to pay out of pocket. Pricing varies based on your individual treatment plan, and our team will review costs with you before treatment begins.
Every person's response to TMS is different. Some patients experience significant improvement that lasts for months or longer, while others may benefit from additional treatment over time.
After completing your treatment course, your care team will review your progress and discuss any recommended follow-up care. This may include continuing therapy, medication management, or other mental health services based on your individual needs.
Because Clarity Clinic offers therapy, psychiatry, and other behavioral health services, we can continue supporting you even after your TMS treatment is complete.
